Manchester City’s title hopes took an almighty blow at the Etihad on Wednesday night, with the Citizens lucky to come away with a point after a poor performance against bottom side Sunderland.

Fernandinho had given the home side the perfect start, slotting home after just two minutes. However, shorn of the injured Yaya Touré , the Citizens failed to build on that lead, with the Black Cats matching their more moneyed opponents all game. And then in a crazy 10 minute spell in the second-half, Connor Wickham, a player who has massively underachieved in his career, netted a brace to shock the Etihad faithful. A win would have been utterly precious to Gus Poyet and co., however a howler from Vito Mannone late on handed the Citizens a lifeline, but ultimately just a point.

City are now six points behind league leaders Liverpool, albeit with a game in hand. Sunderland, on the other hand, are six points off safety.